bring spring into the winter...

...and into the Fall, Summer, and Spring, too.

Stretch and build strength all at once. A fun and effective way to do this is with a Pilates Reformer, which uses metal springs for resistance. The Reformer is great versatile tool for a complete body "workout."

A much cheaper tool than the Reformer is a resistance band (more on this later). You can also stretch and build strength at once without that any tool by just using your body weight, the ground, and the wall for resistance. To learn how read Bob Cooley's book on "Resistance Stretching": The Genius of Flexibility; The Smart Way to Stretch and Strengthen Your Body.

My recommendation would be to never lock yourself into one system of movement. Be a craftsman of many tools. Draw from your toolbox various tools -- the means -- to meet the same end (stretch and build strength at once, for example). This preserves freshness into your movement practice year round.

Below is a video demonstration of an advanced movement on the Pilates Reformer, followed by a similar movement pattern with just the body. For the latter, imagine the ankles as metal springs to spring up into the movement.

We document and share a catalog of movements. This blog and the videos are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Please seek guidance from a certified instructor to be sure you move with proper biomechanics and safety.


Pilates Reformer to Mat Sampler by Rosato Method Pilates Jeanne

photo above: Scott Pilates Reformer class at Toronto Corp. Training Center by Merrithew Corp.